Symptoms & Treatment of Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common yet least understood injuries resulting from car accidents. While most people have heard of whiplash, many do not know how severe and painful it can be.

After an accident, it is vital to understand whiplash and the symptoms associated with it so you can seek proper medical attention.

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

The first and most pressing question after a car accident is: “Am I hurt?” Often, because of the general familiarity with the concept of whiplash, people check for signs of the injury, but their lack of overall understanding can allow them to miss symptoms of the condition they may not know.

While the neck pain associated with whiplash is a symptom, it is certainly not the only one. Other symptoms of whiplash after a wreck include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Pain in the shoulders and lower back
  • Pain or numbness in the arms and hands
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability

Since whiplash can have somewhat vague symptoms, it is essential to be vigilant and seek a thorough medical examination to find out for sure whether you have a case of whiplash.

Whiplash Treatments

If someone has suffered whiplash, two questions tend to come to mind. First: “How long does whiplash last after a car accident?” The second question is: “How do I treat this condition?”

The good news is that some of the symptoms of whiplash will go away relatively quickly, usually within a few days. The less good news is that some cases of severe whiplash can lead to long-term symptoms that may continue for months or even years.

There is no single best treatment for whiplash after a car accident. However, there are a number that have been shown to be effective. These include:

  • Over the counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen
  • Massage
  • Heat or cold
  • Gentle exercise
  • Ultrasound
  • Physical therapy

Some cases of car accident whiplash recovery involve a short period of mild treatment. In longer lasting or more severe cases, doctors may prescribe more extensive therapies if the condition doesn’t go away on its own.

Could I Sue If I Suffered Whiplash? 

Suffering whiplash in a car accident in Virginia means you may be eligible for compensation. Even a mild case of whiplash could require costly medical treatment and may force you to miss valuable time from work. If the accident was caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent actions, you could be eligible to secure compensation for the costs associated with the crash.

Contact Our Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers

Did you suffer whiplash in a car accident? If so, you could be eligible to pursue a car accident injury claim against the person responsible for the crash. The way to know if you have a claim is to contact our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers to discuss the specifics of the accident and your rights.

Don’t wait until it is too late. Contact Ruloff, Swain, Haddad by phone at 757-671-6000 or online to schedule a free consultation today.